DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a friend in her mid 40s who has constant problems with sinus infections. When she retires at night, she has a fan on a stand about 6 feet from her bed blowing on her head constantly. I have talked to her about the possibility that this might contribute to her problem. She reads your column faithfully, and she recently told me she would consider any advice you give regarding this.
DEAR READER: I advise her to discontinue using the fan and see if her sinus problem resolves. The constant movement of cold air when she is in bed may be overstimulating her sinuses. If this approach is not practical or fails, she should be examined and tested by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly revised Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband gets severe muscle cramps in his hands, arms, chest and back. The doctor does not have any answers to why he gets them, and I'm hoping you can help. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds. He takes Lipitor, Cozaar, Actos, Metformin, vitamin C and a multivitamin daily. He also drinks about 12 beers during the evening. Can you offer any help?
DEAR READER: Your overweight, diabetic husband with high cholesterol and a drinking problem needs to take better care of himself by dieting, losing weight and reducing his beer intake to no more than two cans a day.
In addition, he should stop taking Lipitor, which can cause severe muscle damage with resulting pain and cramps. A sensible weight-loss program, such as my no-flour, no-sugar diet, may also bring down his cholesterol. At this point, your husband faces several challenges, but the ball is in his court.
DEAR DR. GOTT: Some people call me a caregiver, but the other day someone called me an enabler. She was then unable to explain exactly what the term meant. Will you please explain it to me?
DEAR READER: A caregiver is someone who takes care of another person in need. Being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience.
In contrast, an enabler is someone who excuses, denies and accepts someone else's inappropriate behavior. This attitude prevents the person from facing up to his or her problem, dealing with it, getting help and making appropriate lifestyle changes. Don't be an enabler. To do so is to give the wrong message.
DEAR READER: I advise her to discontinue using the fan and see if her sinus problem resolves. The constant movement of cold air when she is in bed may be overstimulating her sinuses. If this approach is not practical or fails, she should be examined and tested by an ear, nose and throat specialist.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly revised Health Report "Medical Specialists." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband gets severe muscle cramps in his hands, arms, chest and back. The doctor does not have any answers to why he gets them, and I'm hoping you can help. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds. He takes Lipitor, Cozaar, Actos, Metformin, vitamin C and a multivitamin daily. He also drinks about 12 beers during the evening. Can you offer any help?
DEAR READER: Your overweight, diabetic husband with high cholesterol and a drinking problem needs to take better care of himself by dieting, losing weight and reducing his beer intake to no more than two cans a day.
In addition, he should stop taking Lipitor, which can cause severe muscle damage with resulting pain and cramps. A sensible weight-loss program, such as my no-flour, no-sugar diet, may also bring down his cholesterol. At this point, your husband faces several challenges, but the ball is in his court.
DEAR DR. GOTT: Some people call me a caregiver, but the other day someone called me an enabler. She was then unable to explain exactly what the term meant. Will you please explain it to me?
DEAR READER: A caregiver is someone who takes care of another person in need. Being a caregiver can be a rewarding experience.
In contrast, an enabler is someone who excuses, denies and accepts someone else's inappropriate behavior. This attitude prevents the person from facing up to his or her problem, dealing with it, getting help and making appropriate lifestyle changes. Don't be an enabler. To do so is to give the wrong message.